GULF-GOANS e-NEWSLETTER (since 1994)
Siolim gears up for Sao Joao Sao Joao Feast will be celebrated in Goa on June 24 with traditional enthusiasm as men will plunge in their neighbourhood wells, rivulets and natural lakes with the loud chanting of Sao Joao, Sao Joao, Viva Sao Joao. Though the feast has its origin in the Holy Bible, people crossing across religious lines celebrate the feast. It is believed that St John the Baptist leapt with joy in his mother, Elizabeth's womb when she was visited by Mother Mary, who had just conceived Jesus. It is in this background that many jump in wells in Goa to celebrate the feast. In the coastal villages of Calangute, Anjuna, Vagator and Siolim in Bardez taluka, the Sao Joao Feast is celebrated in a grand manner too. In Siolim, the celebration takes place at many places including Marna, Fernandes Vaddo, Gaunsavaddo and Igrej waddo. In Gaunsawaddo, many celebrate Sao Joao Feast traditionally by distributing jackfruits, mangoes, etc and pouring water on newly-married daughters-in-laws. However, a large number of people flock to witness the grand boat parade in the rivulet opposite the Siolim Church. The Sao Joao celebrations here have a history of about 175 years, however, the event then was on a small scale with youth from neighbouring places coming down in decorated boats wearing crowns of tender coconut leaves, singing mandos and playing the ghumot. After reaching near the cross in front of the church they light candles for the cross, put a garland, lit firecrackers, perform 'saud' and dance chanting Sao Joao. The boat procession replicates the entry of the Portuguese merchants along with the miraculous statue of St Anthony. The event was revived in 1992 by some like-minded persons from Siolim, who came together and the San Joao Traditional Boat Parade was thus born. Later in 1997, some youth came forward and formed the Siolim Sao Joao Traditional Boat Festival Committee that now organises the event every year. John De Souza, a 67-year-old man, from Badem who will be celebrating his 50th year of participation in Siolim San Joao has the unique distinction of dressing as St John De Baptist for last several years. He recalls how Siolim Sao Joao has undergone a change from his childhood days until today but was glad that the basics have been retained. Another prominent personality who also takes part in Siolim Sao Joao festival is Simon from Zhor. He dresses as a lady wearing a 'kopel' on his head and dancing to the tune of 'Sao Joao Sao Joao Ghunvta Mure.' www.navhindtimes.com Rewon Gomes PHOTOGRAPHER http://rewon-gomes.8k.com/san-joao/
